Maui slated for cancer scan gear

WAILUKU » A new tool to treat cancer and other diseases has been approved for the planned Maui Cancer Center.

The State Health Planning and Development Agency has granted a certificate of need for the installation of a PET/CT scan, which stands for positron emission tomography and computed tomography. It will be the only machine of its kind on Maui.

The device detects cancer in areas of the body that other imaging equipment might miss. It also probes a tumor's growth and helps physicians evaluate treatment options.

The new cancer center in Kahului is scheduled to open by the end of 2008.

The PET scan system will cost about $880,000.

Coast Guard gets new chief

Capt. Barry Compagnoni assumed the responsibilities of the commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu on Thursday, according to a Coast Guard news release.

Compagnoni succeeded Capt. Vincent Atkins, who will report to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., as deputy of the office of response operations.

Atkins served as Sector Honolulu commander since 2006.

Compagnoni, a Rockton, Ill., native, recently served as chief of law enforcement of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District. He holds degrees from the Coast Guard Academy, George Mason University and the Naval Postgraduate School.

During his 25 years of service, Compagnoni has received numerous awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

Hokule'a helps in teaching math

The University of Hawaii at West Oahu is opening a new undergraduate math center that will help students learn by working on math problems involving the Polynesian sailing vessel Hokule'a.

Some examples, according to a university news release, include investigating navigation calculations with geometric properties, analyzing the relationship between math and the environment, and determining the mathematical seafaring methods that brought the ancient Pacific islanders to the Hawaiian Islands.

The math center will open in the spring in Building B, Room 108 at the UH-West Oahu campus next to Leeward Community College.

Feng shui expert to hold seminar

A seminar by Lillian Too titled "How to Think Big in the Year of the Earth Rat" will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Too's Feng Shui Extravaganza Hawaii 2008 is a benefit for the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific.

She is founder of the World of Feng Shui with sites in Las Vegas; Arcadia, Calif.; Pearlridge Shipping Center; and on Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu.

To sign up for the seminar, call toll-free (866) 963-7872 or purchase online at www.wofs.com.

Police, Fire, Courts

Star-Bulletin staff

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Popular Maui restaurant burns

Fire heavily damaged a popular restaurant in Paia, Maui, early yesterday, according to a Maui County news release.

The fire at Charley's Restaurant at 142 Hana Highway caused $200,000 in damage to the building and $100,000 in damage to the contents, the release said.

The fire started at about 12:56 a.m. when the business was closed. Five engine companies responded to the fire and extinguished it by 2:42 a.m. No one was hurt.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

HONOLULU

Police seek missing woman

Police are looking for a 78-year-old woman missing since Sunday.

Pacita Macabante was last seen at 3 p.m. Sunday walking near Kaauwai Place in Kalihi.

She is described as about 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds, with gray and black hair and brown eyes.

Police said she is usually seen wearing muumuu or dresses. She might be disoriented, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the police missing-persons detail at 529-3115.